Studio Seilern converts barn into art and exhibition space

[First look + plans] Christina Seilern’s practice Studio Seilern Architects has completed a £650,000 conversion of a barn in Little Milton into a new contemporary art and exhibition space

The 325m² project on Old Belchers Farm includes a dining room and offices wrapped around an ‘intimate’ central, hidden library with four secret doors which, when opened, connect the different areas. When the doors are closed, the room is lined on all four sides by bookshelves.

Describing the design, Seilern, whose practice won the AJ Future Reception contest, said: ‘While the galleries are pared-down in design, the library is somewhat whimsical. It has a mirrored polished steel ceiling, which doubles the perceived ceiling height of the space by creating bookshelves that seem to extend to infinity. A set of thin L-shaped steel plates create a very light cantilevered balcony that allows access to the higher bookshelves, while maintaining their visual verticality.’

The project was drawn up, tendered and built in just over four months in time for Frieze art week in October 2013.

The commission also included the installation of a James Turrell show.

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